Defining what constitutes “Christian music” can be complicated, as there are many different opinions on what qualities make music align with Christian values and beliefs. At its core, Christian music contains lyrics that promote Christian ideas and biblical principles. But beyond lyrics, some key questions to consider when evaluating if a song or genre qualifies as Christian music include:
Does the Music Affirm Core Christian Beliefs?
For music to be considered truly Christian, the lyrics should align with fundamental biblical truths about God, Jesus, salvation, and Christian living. Songs that clearly reference God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, biblical stories, Christian values, and other central tenets of Christianity can more readily be classified as Christian music.
Relevant Bible verses:
“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16)
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (Psalm 96:1-2)
“Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19)
Does the Music Point People Toward God?
Christian music should ultimately serve the purpose of bringing glory to God and pointing people toward him. So even if lyrics reference Christian themes, if the overall effect of the song is not to magnify God and his truths, then it falls short of being true Christian music.
Relevant Bible verses:
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:3)
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)
Does the Music Contain Inappropriate Content?
Another key way to assess if music is appropriately Christian is to look at whether the lyrics contain unbiblical messages or inappropriate content like profanity, sexual references, promotion of sinful acts, or negativity toward others. Music that claims to be Christian while including inappropriate content violates biblical standards.
Relevant Bible verses:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)
What Are the Fruits of the Music?
Assessing the real-world impact and fruits of a song or musical genre can also shed light on whether it represents Christian values. For example, does this music inspire people toward godliness and spiritual growth? Or does it incite sinful passions and worldly living? Good fruits like driving listeners to praise God, pray, share their faith, read the Bible, and serve others indicate truly Christian music.
Relevant Bible verses:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:44-45)
Does the Artist Have a Christian Testimony?
Looking at the personal lives, testimonies, and beliefs of artists themselves can also provide helpful insight into assessing if their music qualifies as Christian music. An artist who claims the Christian label while lacking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and ongoing commitment to following biblical principles creates dissonance.
Relevant Bible verses:
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:15-16)
“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” (1 John 3:10)
Does it Promote Unity Among Christians?
Christian music should bring followers of Christ together across denominational lines and cultural barriers. Music that causes unnecessary division or promotes denominational conflict over secondary doctrinal issues falls short of Christian ideals.
Relevant Bible verses:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6)
“Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts.” (1 Peter 1:22)
Is it Primarily for Entertainment or Worship?
The biblical purpose of Christian music is to glorify God, exhort believers, and proclaim his truth – not just entertain listeners. Secular music often has entertainment as its chief aim. So while Christian music can certainly sound excellent and be enjoyable, its central goal should be vertical worship and ministry rather than horizontal entertainment.
Relevant Bible verses:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)
Does it Use Biblically Sound Methods?
The musical style itself should also be evaluated – are unbiblical techniques or music roots being employed? Forms of music directly associated with sinful patterns like the occult, drug abuse, sexual immorality, and false religions contradict biblical standards of holiness.
Relevant Bible verses:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17)
Conclusion
Evaluating music to determine if it meets biblical criteria for “Christian music” requires thoughtfully examining factors like lyrics content, the artist’s life and doctrine, the fruits of the music, its overall message, and musical styles employed. Music that promotes core Christian beliefs, points people to Jesus Christ, produces godly fruit, avoids inappropriate content, unifies believers across secondary doctrinal debates, gives God glory above entertainment value, and uses biblically sound methods can rightly be considered Christian music.